Our mission at ChiroHub.com has always been to help reveal the innovative and revolutionary breakthoughs in our field, while helping chiropractors avoid products and services that don't deserve their hard-earned cash.  

When we receive a product for review, we require at least two months of clinical use, before completing our evaluation.  Many times we actually go much longer.  This gives us time to adequately analyze a product/service to see if it is worthy of your money, and our approval.  Only those products meeting the highest standards receive the Official ChiroHub.com Seal of Approval.  

The following categories help us in determining our rating:

1)  Durability

2) User-friendliness

3) Efficacy

4) Cost/Profit analysis

5) General appeal and cosmetics

6) Documentation and Training

Watch carefully in our Chiropractic Product Review articles and videos to see which chiropractic products stand out from the rest.  

We are excited to announce the publication of our latest ChiroHub Video Product Review.  The PEMF-120 has exceded our expectations and become the most recent recipient of the coveted ChiroHub Seal of Approval.   This award is given to products and services that we feel have the potential to elevate the level of care rendered in your chiropractic office to a whole new level.  

Check out our YouTube video to learn more about why the PEMF-120 is such a powerful device. 

 
 PEMF offers the following therapeutic effects:

- Increased circulation

- Pain reduction

- Speeds up healing time

- Heals fractures

- Increases ATP production in cells

- Helps address emotional issues like depression/anxiety

- and much more...  

The PEMF-120 is a high output device offering a maximum intensity of 20,000 gauss (2 Tesla)!  This means you will see dramatic results in your patient outcomes in a short amount of time.  The pulse rate varies from <1 to 50 pulses per second.  

For more information on PEMF technology and the PEMF-120, please visit Dr. Pawluk's website.  

Today on ChiroHub we will be reviewing one of the many electronic health record systems available. The system is call Charm EHR. Many chiropractic clinics have switched over from paper to electronic records in the last 5-10 years. In fact, insurance companies in some states have penalized clinics that can't bill electronically. So, it has become more necessary for chiropractic clinics to explore the world of electronic health records. We believe the jury is still out regarding how much the systems actually enhance patient care and communication between clinics and doctors, especially in a solo clinic setting. Most of the systems used by DC’s are chiropractic specific, but we have chosen to explore a system that is fully customizable and allows for a multidisciplinary clinic, as well as inventory management for supplements and medical supplies.

COST (9/10) - While this system is not free, no decent system worth your time is free. The only ones that are tend to buy and sell user information patient demographics to large corporations. That being said, we think the cost for Charm EHR is very reasonable. Charm EHR charges based on the number of encounters, so it is very cost-effective for new clinics, or solo practitioners. Last time we checked, the charge is about $.50 per patient encounter. We felt this was a reasonable and fair fee for the system, and it allows you to grow with the system.

User-Friendliness (6/10) - Charm EHR definitely requires a lot more navigation and clicking of the mouse than most systems. Even though you are able to completely customize your templates, we found that there is an enormous amount of mouse clicking required. Some simple steps require even two or three clicks, so there is definitely some redundancy. One of the disadvantages of Charm for a chiropractic clinic is that the flexibility requires time and effort, and there are no streamlined steps typical chiropractic therapies and procedures like subluxations and physiotherapy modalities.

Accessibility (7.5/10) - We love that Charm EHR is web-based. While there is not an Android or iOS app for the system, it does work fairly well on tablets and smart phones. We found that the website works fairly well on mobile devices, with the exception of the calendar.   Even when you zoom in on a calendar, clicking to make an appointment on a mobile device will almost always put the appointment in the wrong slot, so we really had to be careful about scheduling patients using mobile devices.

Support (6/10) - Support for Charm EHR is really hit and miss. The phone support is very limited, and there is no quality online chat. We did get some help via email, but even that was intermittent. As for new features and bug fixes, those are also rather slow to be implemented. We have been bugging them for 6+ mos to improve their reporting/billing section of the Practice Management portion (see complaints below), but we have seen only minor changes.

Features (7/10) - Charm does pretty well in terms of features, but it is lacking a few major ones. We really like the text messaging system for patients, and we found that we got really good feedback from patients about it – just make sure to always put their number in the “mobile” phone section in demographics. One of our complaints about features is that they don’t have different colors for various appointment types. That means if you have a massage, new patient, existing patient, x-ray appt, etc…, you can’t tell without clicking on the name of the patient. The nice thing about the calendar itself is that you can switch between day/week/month views, and you can drag the duration of an appointment. It would be nice to be able to drag the entire appointment without having to hit “reschedule”, but we understand the limits of web browsers in that case.

Reporting/Financials (4/10) – This section is where Charm really falls behind the pack. Our biggest frustrations come from the reports/financials/billing area of the Practice Management portion of the software. Your Office Manager or Biller will suffer multiple concussions from banging his/her head against the wall in frustration with the billing portion. To start, there is NO LEDGER in this system. That means you have to click line by line at the invoices, and scroll through various tabs to see insurance vs payments at time of service vs supplements, etc…  Click on these screenshots for a better view.

CHARM EHR Screenshots

Compare the cumbersome billing function of Charm (pictured above) with the ledger system in most EHR's, and you will see the potential frustration.  Here is a much cleaner version of a ledger from Future Health EHR:

Of all the EHR systems we’ve tried, this one had the most cumbersome billing/reporting section. For those really interested in customized and accurate reports, we recommend Kareo EHR.   We have made Charm aware of this problem, but have only seen minor improvements to the system in our year of use. For some small clinics this may be an inconsequential consideration, but those trying to optimize clinic performance and productivity might find this to be a deal breaker.

Qualifies for Federal EHR reimbursement: Yes.

ICD-10 Ready? TBD

FINAL ChiroHub SCORE: 6.5/10

ChiroHub is pleased to announce the release of its latest product review video of the NuBax Trio.  Take a look!

	We have completed another video review of an exciting therapy known as Frequency Specific Microcurrent  (FSM).  This treatment system and device open up a lot of new doors for chiropractors.  Imagine being able to treat nerve pain like shingles in just 2-3 days!  We were so impressed with this system that we have given it the official ChiroHub seal of approval.
Please check out our YouTube video and see why we think Frequency Specific Microcurrent is such a great tool for your practice.  We show a LIVE demo of the product along with a thorough analysis of what you want to know before you buy.

In summary, here are some of the pros and cons of using Frequency Specific Microcurrent in your practice:

PROS

-It is proven to increase ATP production, decrease pain, and target specific tissues

-Providing FSM in your practice sets you apart from the competition

-Get diagnostic clues about what is going on with the patient

-Receive referrals from the medical community for an evidence-based therapy

-Increase passive income in your practice

-Excellent support and training

-Great professional community

-Active online forum to ask questions

CONS

-If you are a busy (high volume) clinic, then you will find the Precision care too time intensive.  You will need to have the custom care, which will limit your flexibility, but will still do a great job on the specific conditions you are targeting.

-Some of the device features are a bit cumbersome, but no deal breakers. 

-We would like to see a back-lit display on the next model for use in darker rooms or med-spa setting.

For more info, please visit the Frequency Specific Microcurrent Website.

We are always looking to find the latest innovations in natural and alternative medicine to help chiropractors staying on the cutting edge, and to learn more about what therapies they can use to increase their clinical outcomes.  ChiroHub.com is excited to be able to provide you a review on a recently upgraded PEMF style device.  Though not like traditional PEMF devices on the market that are digital output, this unique instrument is a dynamic range of frequencies that run according to each individual patient.

There are no expensive training sessions, no heavy drain on your staff, and most importantly - it can help improve your patient outomes.  As we all know, if you get people better, they are much more likely to refer friends and family.  Please watch our YouTube video of the EFS 200 chiropractic product review to see why we awarded Energetic Fitness System the official ChiroHub Seal of Approval!

New to the world of PEMF?  Read our informative article -  What is PEMF Therapy?

What are patients saying about the EFS 200 Pro?

Gene Bazan, Suffering from Post Polio Syndrome

“I tried numerous electro-magnetic devices, light and sound devices, and others. With one exception, I could detect no improvement in energy levels, muscle use, pain and fatigue reduction, or brain fog …The one exception was the Energetic Fitness System. My wife received one in the university lab where she tested alternative healing devices. I began using it in the summer of 2006, daily for a half hour. After three weeks, I found myself one morning having climbed a flight of stairs in our house without the usual muscle pain and fatigue attending each step! …I continue using the EFS daily…”

 John Welch - former Photon Genie user

As you know, I had a Photon Genie when I bought the EFS. After I got to using the EFS a bit I realized that I had no need for the Genie. I ended up selling the Genie for $1500 because I had no use for it. Btw, I felt like I had gotten a $1500 rebate on the EFS Pro!

Sherri Wright , After 6 years of health issues diagnosed as Fibromyalgia, Stress/Depression, High blood pressure & IBS

“The more I’m able to use the EFS the better I feel which is why I am getting one so I can use it on a daily basis or as necessary. I recommend the EFS to anybody who wants to improve their energy, speed up recovery & to basically boost their overall health & immune system. I’m able to know what it feels like to have a “GREAT” day again! Friends & Family have been amazed.”

Milorad Cavic - 2009 World Champion Gold Medalist, 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist, 3 time Olympian

“Using the EFS machine before and during my breaks at competitions has also helped revitalize not only my body, but also my mind. In competitive swimming, athletes tend to feel run down after one or two races, and coming off the EFS machine after my races has raised the alertness of my body and confidence in racing all over again, just better!”

A breakthrough in light therapy has arrived!

Chiropractors are increasingly familiar with the benefits and power of light therapies.  In fact, LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy), or Cold Laser, has been around for several years, and has found its way into many chiropractic clinics.  However, there is still a lot of contention about which devices are best, mostly centering around the tech specs of wavelength and power.  Currently, the Vielight comes in a 633nm, 655nm, and 810nm model.  I think we can all agree - red light therapies are here to stay, and they have a lot of promise for impacting the health of our patients. 

The unique attribute that Vielight brings to the table is its intranasal delivery.  This is one of those times where you ask yourself, "why didn't I think of that"?  Direct access to the capillary beds via the mucous membranes is obviously going to provide superior delivery of the energy from the light.  In addition, the proximity to the brain is a "no-brainer".  While research is still fairly new, it does appear that these light therapies may be able to help many of the age-related neurological disorders, so this seems like a real cause for hope in some of the stubborn conditions we face as chiropractors.  

OK, so the idea to access the circulation via the nose is brilliant, but what else makes these devices appealing?   There are several key points we really appreciated about the Vielight devices:

1)  Cost - they are able to keep the cost reasonable - so much so, that these are even accessible to many of your patients.  While many "cold laser" companies are charging tens of thousands of dollars for their proprietary machines, Vielight has kept their pricing fair and consistent at just a couple Benjamins.  Now, it is fair to say that there are less lights/LED's and hardware involved in these units, but we still feel warm and fuzzy knowing we can offer these to a wide array of patients.  

2) Ease of use -  Clinicians are busy, so we need devices that have simple setup.  You could incorporate these into other treatment protocols, rent them out to patients, or just refer them for a purchase.  They come with an automatic timer, so they won't drain the battery, and a beep to notify you that the treatment is completed. Just clip it to your nose, push the button, and watch your nose light up like Rudolph.  

3) Durability - while these are small and fairly delicate devices, they seem to hold up really well.  They have an intuitive design, and only require one double AA battery - a nice feature, since many rechargeable units have batteries that aren't replaceable.  We left our units idle for several weeks, and when we fired them back up, they didn't skip a beat. 

Of course nothing is perfect, and our goal here at ChiroHub is to always find ways to improve upon the innovative products we improve.  Many companies have taken our recommendations to heart and updated their products to a new and improved model.  We feel honored by that.  So, what do we think you'll complain about with Vielight intranasal red lights?

1) You're not going to become a millionaire by selling or promoting these devices.  While many chiropractors are looking for additional revenue streams in their clinic, this will not be a major source.  Rather, we think it will set you apart, and it should enhance your outcomes, which means more happy patients and referrals.  

2) We had a few patients gripe about the nose piece being uncomfortable.  While it isn't terrible, they were definitely happy to pull it off when the treatment session concluded.  

3) We'd love to see one device that let you switch between different light sources/wavelengths.  This would allow patients the opportunity to target different conditions.  

All in all, we think the Vielight deserves the ChiroHub Seal of Approval for its innovative design, safety, and accessibility.  We really encourage you to look into red light therapies and how they can improve patient outcomes.  Stay ahead of this curve, because its future is bright ;)  

	We all know that every chiropractic table gets a lot of wear and tear, and many start to really show it. Cracks, rips, and holes in your table aren’t a welcome sight; however, when your patient realizes you expect them to lie down on that same surface to get relief. Here comes Nuvaply Tear Care patches to save your table and your reputation as well. Made from a durable, high grade proprietary vinyl, Nuvaply patches are designed in a variety of colors as well as patterns so you can repair any damage to your table in a quick and cost-effective way.
A few things we like about Nuvaply patches is that they obviously look more professional than some of the self repair jobs we’ve seen consisting of duct tape or super glue or even lower quality repair kits. We also appreciate that we don’t have to take our table anywhere to have it repaired, thus decreasing any clinic downtime. Time is money, so this cost savings alone warrants consideration. At just under $40, the Nuvaply patch system will add years of life to your table at a fraction of the price and also seems very durable. After over a month of testing the product, we have found that the patch looks in the same new condition it did when we first put it on. You can feel confident when you use these products that the patch is durable and will withstand the everyday wear and tear of a busy practice.
BEFORE	AFTER

One thing we did not like about the patches was the patterned option. We wanted our patch job to blend in, not stand out. Nuvaply does offer a few solid colors (black, grey, & blue) but we would like to see a more expansive color palate to match the wide array of vinyl colors you see in tables. With your main patch though, Nuvaply does provide accent patches so you can attempt to make the patch look like it’s an intentional patterned part of the table. Another feature that they recently rolled out, is that you can make your logo into a patch – again making it look like it was meant to be there and not that it’s a patch job over a crack or tear.   Overall, a patch is still a patch and it definitely can’t beat a new reupholster job or brand new table, but we find the Nuvaply Tear Care patches to be an economical, quick, and professional-looking way to repair a tear, crack, or hole. To find out more information go to www.nuvaply.com.

Designed to help those suffering from diastasis recti, the Tupler Techniqe was designed by Julie Tupler, RN. Diastasis recti, a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle into right and left halves, often goes misdiagnosed or undiagnosed in many patients. Due to this, many people unnecessarily suffer for years, thinking that the “mummy tummy” they are enduring or the “beer belly” they have acquired is simply something they need to live with. Now due to this exciting new program, the Tupler Technique, patients can help close up their diastasis recti through utilizing the core principles of the program. This is accomplished by performing the unique exercises specifically designed to strengthen the transverse muscles, and by wearing Tupler’s specialized splint to hold the diastasis closer together, thus allowing the tissue to repair in proper fashion. This brace also provides the patient’s core with greater stability and support.

Diagnosing a diastasis recti is fairly simple. Have the patient lie down supine on your table, with legs flat or a small pillow under their knees. Then have them slowly flex at the trunk, as if doing a situp. You can then palpate above and below the umbilicus along the midline. A mild DR would be only a finger or two wide, while a larger DR might be several fingers wide and show the contents of the abdominal cavity pushing through (think a large hernia here).

In her program, Julie Tupler lays out specific breathing and core exercises over the course of 6-18 weeks depending on the size and severity of the diastasis (but the principles and exercises of the program should be utilized into daily living thereafter). Patients can choose a variety of ways to utilize the Tupler Technique, including becoming a member of an online support group, signing up for individual support sessions with Julie, and attending seminars. Most patients, however, would probably choose to follow the program in the comfort of their own home by purchasing one of the packages that includes the Diastasis Rehab CD, Tupler Technique Guidebook, and Diastasis Rehab Splint. The CD is very specific and easy to follow, although some of our patients described the CD as “too technical” or “too detailed” for them to follow on their own without a medical professional or support staff to guide in the beginning. Because of the specifics of it and the importance of utilizing the correct technique when doing the exercises, Julie has trained many licensed professionals who are located nationwide to offer individual or group training in the technique.  

In our small patient population who followed the Tupler Technique, there were great results when the patient carried out the program exactly and wore the associated brace. The exercises are fairly simple, but do require quite a commitment to remember to do them three times a day as suggested. This was the biggest complaint from patients trying to follow the program is that they could not keep up with its demands every day. Overall though this program is highly effective when performed properly, easy for patients to do on an individual basis, and can fit into any budget with most packages coming in at just under $80. We at Chirohub, certainly think it should be a tool chiropractors have in their toolkit for recommending to patients with obvious deconditioning of the core and/or a diastasis recti.

For more information, please visit http://www.diastasisrehab.com